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Rideshare Sex Abuse

Rideshare Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has become a part of daily life for many in Los Angeles and beyond. These platforms offer convenience and access, but they can also expose riders to serious risks.

Regrettably, sexual abuse within rideshare settings is more prevalent than many might realize. Over four years, Uber alone documented a staggering 10,000 accusations of sexual assault and abuse.

California Rideshare Sexual Abuse Attorney
If you are a victim of sexual abuse by an Uber and Lyft driver, we can file a civil lawsuit for compensation.

If you or someone you care about has endured sexual abuse while using a rideshare service, it's crucial to understand that you are not alone. Under California law, survivors of sexual abuse have the right to seek justice, even if criminal charges are not pursued against the perpetrator.

Through a civil claim, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation for the harm and trauma you've experienced.

Injury Justice Law Firm is here to help you every step of the way, providing the compassionate, professional legal support you need to reclaim your voice and your rights.

The trauma of such an incident can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Engaging the services of a skilled Uber sexual assault lawyer is the crucial first step in protecting your rights and securing the justice you deserve.

Sexual assault in rideshare services is a serious issue that affects countless passengers in California year. These incidents can range from unwanted touching to more severe forms of sexual violence, including rape and sexual battery.

It's important to understand that Uber has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its passengers, and when they fail to do so, they should be held liable. As a victim, you have legal rights, including the right to seek compensation for your physical and emotional damages.

However, it's important to act quickly, as there are time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing California Uber sexual assault lawsuits. Also, taking immediate action can ensure your case has the best chance of success, with evidence preserved, memories vivid, and medical care sought, all helping to support your claim.

This article will help you find skilled Los Angeles rideshare legal representation to support you during this challenging time.

What is Rideshare Sexual Assault?

Sexual battery involves any form of unwanted physical contact, as consent is always mandatory. A sexual assault crime must meet the legal definition of either assault or battery to be the basis for a civil suit.

Under California Civil Code 1708.5, sexual battery, a type of sexual assault that requires physical contact with the victim rather than just an imminent threat of contact, is grounds for legal action if the perpetrator. The statutory language of this law is below.

Rideshare Sexual Assault

"(a) A person who commits a sexual battery does any of the following:

(1) Acts with the intent to cause harmful or offensive contact with an intimate part of another, and sexually offensive contact with that person directly or indirectly results.

(2) Acts with the intent to cause harmful or offensive contact with another by use of the intimate part, and sexually offensive contact with that person directly or indirectly results.

(3) Acts to cause an imminent apprehension of the conduct described in paragraph (1) or (2), and a sexually offensive contact with that person directly or indirectly results.

(4) Causes contact between a sexual organ from which a condom has been removed and the intimate part of another who did not verbally consent to the condom being removed.

(5) Causes contact between an intimate part of the person and a sexual organ of another from which the person removed a condom without verbal consent.

(b) A person who commits a sexual battery upon another is liable to that person for damages, including, but not limited to, general damages, special damages, and punitive damages.

(c) The court, in an action pursuant to this section, may award equitable relief, including, but not limited to, an injunction, costs, and any other relief the court deems proper.

(d) For the purposes of this section:

(1) "Intimate part" means the sexual organ, anus, groin, or buttocks of any person or the breast of a female.

(2) "Offensive contact" means contact that offends a reasonable sense of personal dignity."

Who Is Liable in Rideshare Sex Abuse Cases?

California law defines sexual assault, which does not require physical contact, as the "unlawful intent by one person to inflict immediate injury on the person of another."

A civil lawsuit claiming sexual assault can be based on the notion that people have a right to live without the fear of personal harm. In addition to taking legal action as a sexual assault survivor, it may be emotionally beneficial to seek professional support that addresses the trauma.

Determining who is legally responsible in rideshare sexual abuse cases can be complicated. Several parties may be held liable depending on the circumstances, and our experienced attorneys will carefully investigate your case to ensure all responsible entities are identified. Here's a closer look at potential areas of liability in these cases:

  • The Perpetrator: The person who committed the abuse is, of course, directly responsible for their actions. A civil claim can be filed against the perpetrator to ensure they are held accountable and to recover damages.
  • The Rideshare Company: Companies like Uber and Lyft have a duty of care to their passengers. This includes performing thorough background checks on their drivers, implementing safety features, and addressing reports of misconduct. If the company fails to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, it may be held liable for negligence. Common examples include hiring drivers with a criminal or questionable history or failing to act on previous complaints against a driver.
  • Third Parties: In some situations, third parties, such as other passengers or even bystanders, may have contributed to a dangerous environment. Depending on their involvement, they could also potentially share liability.

Rideshare companies often deny responsibility, arguing that their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. Victims often face numerous challenges in the aftermath of an Uber assault, including:

  • Emotional trauma and psychological distress.
  • Physical injuries and related medical expenses.
  • Difficulty returning to normal daily activities.
  • Potential impact on personal and professional relationships.

Our experienced Uber sexual assault lawyers can help address these challenges and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. We have years of experience navigating around these kinds of arguments to hold them accountable when their failures create life-altering harm for riders.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in Sex Abuse Cases?

A sexual abuse incident can leave deep and lasting emotional, physical, and financial scars. Civil claims offer survivors an opportunity to pursue financial compensation for these harms with the goal of easing the burden of recovery.

At Injury Justice Law Firm, we are committed to helping you seek the full extent of damages you deserve, which can include the following:

  • Medical Expenses: This can cover the costs of physical injuries resulting from the abuse, including emergency care, doctor visits, or procedures. It may also include therapy or counseling to address emotional trauma.
  • Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Survivors often find returning to work difficult after experiencing such trauma. You may be entitled to recover wages lost during your recovery or future income if your ability to work has been permanently impacted.
  • Pain and Suffering: The emotional and psychological toll of sexual abuse cannot be overstated. Damages for pain and suffering account for the ongoing trauma, fear, and sadness you've been forced to confront.
  • Punitive Damages: When a defendant's actions are especially egregious, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Statute of Limitations in Sex Abuse Cases

California provides survivors of sexual abuse with the opportunity to file civil claims even years after the incident occurred. The state's statute of limitations gives survivors ten years from the date of the abuse to file a lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations in Sex Abuse Cases

That said, for some, the impact of abuse isn't immediately apparent. Survivors may not connect their injuries or psychological conditions back to the abuse until years later.

Recognizing this, California law also allows claims to be filed within three years of discovering an illness or injury stemming from the abuse-which, in some cases, may extend the statute of limitations beyond the ten-year threshold.

While these extended timelines offer survivors more flexibility, it's important to act as soon as you feel ready. Evidence fades over time, and witness memories can become less reliable.

By consulting with a rideshare sex abuse attorney as soon as possible, you can ensure your case is properly documented and positioned to succeed in the courts. For more information, contact our California sexual abuse lawyers, Injury Justice Law Firm, based in Los Angeles.

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If you are the victim of sexual abuse or suffered a catastrophic injury in an accident, our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys will protect your legal rights and help you recover compensation. We are available 24/7 for your risk-free initial consultation in Beverly Hills, Encino, Glendale, Hermosa Beach, Lancaster, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Santa Monica, Valencia, Ventura County and across the State of California.

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